What is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
State, local, and federal health officials are continuously monitoring and responding to an on-going outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Cases have been identified globally, including within the United States. Coronaviruses are not a new family of viruses and are common in different species of animals including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. In humans, there are multiple strains that can cause mild respiratory symptoms or even the common cold. In years’ prior, other strains have been associated with SARS and MERS.
What is currently understood about COVID-19 is that it spreads person-to-person among close contacts via respiratory droplets produced from coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to spread COVID-19 via touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
With an incubation period that lasts 2-14 days, symptoms associated with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Spread in the absence of symptoms is possible, however those who are symptomatic are the most contagious.
Preparedness is key as we plan for the identification of additional cases in the days ahead. The American Nurses Association supports your ongoing efforts on the frontlines to treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, we want to hear from you. Complete our survey and email us at corona@ana.org with your questions, your concerns, and stories of care on the frontlines. We appreciate this information as it is helping us understand the needs of nurses during this public health crisis.
Complete Survey
The survey is closing on Friday, 04/10, at 5:00 PM (EDT).
Last week, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed into law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It includes more than $2 trillion in spending and tax breaks to help the economy and health care providers respond to the pandemic.
Be Confident Protecting Yourself and Providing the Best Care to Your Patients
During This COVID-19 Pandemic
Nurses and health care workers face ongoing challenges with the supply and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during times of supply chain shortage, patient surge, and evolving evidence on COVID-19. ANA is partnering with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) to bring you this free, online, on-demand webinar. A link to view the webinar at your convenience will be emailed to all registrants the week of March 30.
Preparedness, Early Identification, and Notification
All nurses and the health care team must receive the highest level of protection to provide care for the individuals and communities in which they serve. It is essential to develop and educate ALL staff on preparedness plans that provide infection control procedures and protocols used within the health care facility for the early identification, containment, and care of patients with symptoms associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) to prevent spread within the facility.
Isolation, Quarantine, Monitoring, and Hospitalization
The CDC recommends several steps for identification and maintenance of COVID-19 along with detailed guidelines for isolation precautions to prevent transmission. Have clearly displayed a flowchart for early identification and assessment of COVID-19 At this time, the modes of transmission include respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes and tranmission by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with an infected surface.
How to Educate Your Patients and Minimize Spread within the Community
Per the CDC, it is known that coronavirus is part of a large family of viruses that can cause illness in people and animals.1 It is known that COVID-19 is spread via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. It is also possible to spread COVID-19 by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface. The CDC provides the following guidance to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading among people in homes and communities4:
Guidance for Consumers Who Want to Help
Protection and education are essential in the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus.
Stop the spread of germs poster
Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 poster
CDC’s guidelines to prevent spread within your home and community.
ANA’s Position on the Use of Cloth Masks
Evidence does not support the notion that cloth masks are safe for health care professionals providing care to patients with coronavirus. ANA continues to press for appropriate PPE including N95 respirators and if those are not available, medical/surgical masks. Nurses should not be wearing cloth masks – they do not afford the wearer any significant protection.
For best practice guidelines on infection control, standard precautions for all patient care and transmission-based precautions, visit:
It is recommended that nonessential travel is postponed as global spread of COVID-19 continues. Vulnerable populations including older adults and any individual with serious or chronic medical conditions are at heightened risk.
Slowing the spread of COVID-19 within the community involves prevention of the spread within schools and childcare facilities. Limiting the spread within schools protects not only our children, but their families, particularly elderly family members and family members with compromised immune systems and chronic health conditions.
Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs
Key Messages and actions for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Schools
Nurses are reliable and proven responders during infectious disease emergencies, providing safe, quality, compassionate and nondiscriminatory care to their patients and the communities in which they serve. If you are looking for ways to volunteer your knowledge and skills, you can visit the following resources for ways to get involved.
Coping mentally and emotionally with the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for everyone, but even more so for nurses. Please know that you are not alone-you are providing care to a grateful nation, and the American Nurses Association honors your service.
Below, you will find two categories of resources to assist nurses and other healthcare providers with mental health resources. The first category is for dealing with stress, fear, and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. You may also want to check with your employer, university, state or specialty nurse association, or your state board of nursing about their resources including any employee assistance program (EAP) or peer assistance/counseling programs. The second category contains national lifelines and healthlines.
If your stress, anxiety, or fear causes you to think about suicide or be in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Resources
National Life- and Helplines
ANA media coverage and other useful information sources related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The American Nurses Foundation is a separate charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation does not engage in political campaign activities or communications.
The Foundation expressly disclaims any political views or communications published on or accessible from this website.
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